real word. magazine Inaugual Issue

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maliajohnsonphotography.com

Sandy Feet

Kealoha 08 12 kat reeder

B u d A n t o n e l i s 14

19 Alice Inoue Eric L e t e r c 22

23 Debbie Friedrich Andre Davis 26

30 L A N A A N T O N E L I S

Shawn Ch i ng 31

P r o j e c t Fo cus Hawa i ` i 35

Ulu Art 40

opposite page:by Christopher MarquezSelf Portrait

oil on canvas18” x 24”

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Y o u n g A r t i s t s 1 8

FACES 42 james lloyd 43

44 C R I S B A Y D e r e k G l a s k i n 4 5

Brandon Tabiolo 46 ryan HIGA 47

48 J u s t i n w h i t e

RITA COURY 50

Cheryl DeAngelo [email protected] DeAngelo [email protected] Bitonio [email protected] Marquez [email protected] Hashimoto [email protected] Johnson maliajohnsonphotography.com

© 2009. All Rights Reserved. Real Word Magazine is published bi-monthly by Fred and Cheryl DeAngelo. No part of this magazine shall be printed and/or altered without the written permission of the publisher. Publisher reserves the right to refuse any submissions and/or advertising matter. The articles and opinions in this publication are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. Although it is intended to be accurate, neither the publisher nor any other party assumes liability for loss or damage due to reliance on this material.

Real Word MagazineP.O. Box 894852

Mililani, Hawaii 96789

Please send all ADVERTISING inquiries [email protected]

P R I N T E D I N H A W A I ` I

Publisher/EditorPublisher

Associate EditorCreative Director

Copy EditorEditorial Photographer

real word.

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Bud AntonelisLana Antonelis

Cris BayLaurie Callies (ProjectFocus Hawaiì)

Geralyn Camarillo (Ulu Art)

Shawn ChingRita Coury

Andre DavisDebbie Friedrich

Derek GlaskinRyan HigaAlice Inoue

Contributing Artists

Arna Johnson (Ulu Art)

Malia JohnsonKealohaKris LabangEric LetercJames LloydShawn Nakamoto (ProjectFocus Hawaiì)

Kaylee OsbunKat ReederAndrea SantosBrandon TabioloLisa Uesugi (ProjectFocus Hawaiì)

Justin White

Front Cover: Waimea Pier, Kauaì

photography: Shawn Ching

0�www.realwordmagazine.com

Mahalo for welcoming Real Word Magazine into your life. We are a space where artists, writers, photographers, entertainers and anyone else who has ever wondered and uttered the words “what if,” can come together. We applaud those individuals that “did” and those that continually “do.” Real Word is here to showcase personal and intimate creations and we acknowledge everyone’s work to be great masterpieces. We embrace both raw and refined talent. Like all beginnings, our pages were empty and blank until we filled it with your color and stories. Our vision for the magazine is to encourage your artistic spirit to go further than your own eyes. Some artists use a pen, a camera, and even go unarmed and bare by simply using their voice. Whatever means used to convey your thoughts, Real Word Magazine is the vehicle to showcase your skills, talents and abilities.

When there no context, there’s no statement. When there’s no statement, there’s no sharing. When there’s no sharing, there’s no beauty. When there’s no beauty, there’s no — art. Till you see beauty everywhere, and in everything, Your soul is set free, No one can take that away from you.

- Armin Muller-Stahl, in George Gallo’s film Local Color.

— Doris Bitonio, associate editor

memor i e s . n ew . exc i t ed .

Several months ago, I experienced the greatest feeling of accomplishment when an article of mine was published in a magazine. It stirred up a wealth of emotions. I felt like I was singing a beautiful song from the highest mountain and everyone could finally hear me. It was even more liberating than when I cut off over four feet of my hair this past year—ever since I can remember, I was “Cheryl with the long hair.” But the most overwhelming feeling was pride. I was a little girl again, excited to show it to my mom, but this time, thinking to myself, “Here— look at this. I wrote it. All of your hard work and the sacrifices you made for us paid off. Thank you and I love you.” I knew no one else could understand how important this was for me, but it didn’t matter. That moment belonged solely to me and I will cherish it always.

That moment was also when Real Word Magazine was born.

In the past few months, I have been on an incredibly gratifying journey experiencing things I never dreamed of. It has also been a very smooth ride—leading me to often question if we’ve missed something crucial. After seeing how our first issue turned out, I know that we haven’t. The pieces that are included will make you smile and laugh. Some may just bring tears to your eyes. My hope is that it will inspire you to pick up that pencil or dust off the easel that you loved years ago and rekindle that passion you had for being creative. As we prepare to launch the magazine—made up of positive thoughts and good energy—I smile when I think of the thirty-one individuals that contributed their work to this issue. I know they are experiencing the same great feeling that I did a few months ago. And I’m so proud that they let me share in this moment.

— Cheryl DeAngelo, publisher/editor

0� Inaugural I ssue • November/December 2009

h o p e . l o v e . b e g i n n i n g s .

Kealoha is the founder of HawaiiSlam, Youth Speaks Hawaii (2-time International Champions) and First Thursdays (the largest registered slam poetry competition in the world with an average attendance of 600+). This year, he was featured in HBO’s Brave New Voices series presented by Russell Simmons. Beyond poetry, Kealoha co-wrote and played the lead role in the hip-hop theatre production Chase, which sold out on every night of its original and encore runs. He has also directed various productions including a sold out 1,400-seat show of the Vagina Monologues at Hawaiì Theatre. Kealoha graduated with honors from MIT with a degree in Nuclear Physics, served as a business consultant in San Francisco, and was a surf instructor prior to becoming a professional poet.


Listen to the windYou can hear the world breathing if you just listenThese breezes whisper melodies of distant lands transcribed through timeThey are like wind chimesSwirling energy carrying seeds of wisdomYou can hear them as they blow through leaves of ancient treesThese breezesBreathing and exhalingTelling the stories of this worldFor an eternity

Listen to the seaIt is the lifeblood of this planetPumping and pulsing through every creviceConnecting the nations of this world through its embraceTracing patterns in the sands of our birth landsCrashing on shoresExpanding past the horizonReaching deep into the depths of our imagination

Listen to the landIt is the earth’s bellyRumbling and churning as tectonic plates shiftWe sift through its soils with sticks as stones break into fragmentsGiving birth to lifeGiving birth to usWe are grateful for every gift that mother earth givesWe live because the life of this land is perpetuated in righteousnessWe are blessedTo see her beautyTaste her eleganceSmell her powerTouch her essence

This world becomes a miracle when you take timeTo just listen

© 2009 Kealohawww.KealohaPoetry.com

Listen

I was coming out the oceanApproaching the showers minding my own bizWhen I met this kid

He must have been `bout 1 to 2Walking but not talking yetCompletely nakedSkin soon to be brownBut as of now completely unexposed

So he looks at me and I lookBackHe stares intently at the red rubber ball in my hands all wide eyedAnd I’m like “oh, you want this ball?”

He immediately grabs it bounces it and gigglesHe just tickled his own imaginationAnd I continue on with my bizShower up as ifTo say hey... you go play with that ball for a bit...He runs off his momma calls to him

“Makana, be careful”And I’m thinking to myself Makana means gift

And I continue on with my bizBut this kid is captivating meHe’s expressing pure joy without words as he hurls the ballWith all his might

I keep him in my sightAs sand swishes off my feet And now I’m double, no no, triple rinsing my hair which I never really do but I’m doing allThat I can to stallI just want him to experience that ball

By the fifth rinse it’s time for me to goAnd I know it’ll be difficult for me to get that ball back

But he throws it to meAppreciative of the timeAnd at this point I’m having a very hard time leavingSo I roll the ball backHe picks it upBounces it for a secThen checks it back to me

It now seems as if we’ve got gameSo I stayAnd we playBack and forth for a bit butThen he stops,Drops the ballIt rolls offAnd he holds out his hand

I go get the ballThen I give him fiveBut realize That that’s not what he’s trying to communicate

He looks sad...Or in pain, yeah that’s it it’s pain

‘Cause I now see a poki pricking into his fingerI barely even touch it but he reacts automaticallyShutters dramaticallyAnd yet he still stands With his hand outHe trusts me with this poki

Lesson of Essence (Recess II)

Kealoha 10www.realwordmagazine.com

So I’m thinking...I’ve gotta do this quick otherwiseWe’re both in deep doo-doo

`Cause his skin is like tissueIt’s ridiculously sensitiveAnd poki’s... they freaking hurt, yàll!!

And his eyesAre peering into mineWith pure trustYou seeHe hasn’t yet beenSworn into a childhood Of “don’t talk to strangers they’re dangerous villains out to get you”He hasn’t had timeTo learn how to ignoreThe rest of his community as his day passes byHe hasn’t learned this societal nonsenseHe’s simply being as his heart tells him to be

Trusting... of meAnd he’s open and standingAnd I’m askingHis momma who’s five feet away...

“Is it okay?”

She smiles and nods yesShe gives me the go aheadAnd so I goI take a deep breathAnd in one swift move I grab and pullSimultaneouslyHis body twitches temporarilyBut the worst is now over

He looks and smilesAnd I nearly cryThis is the essence of existenceHe picks up the ball as ifTo play againBut our time has come to an endAnd my new friendIs wondering where I’mWandering toAs I slowly walk away saying

“Makana, you can have the ball...”

And for me,It was a small price to payFor a brief lesson of essence

© 2002 Kealoha www.KealohaPoetry.com

Kealoha11 Inaugural I ssue • November/December 2009

12www.realwordmagazine.com

Kat Reeder is an illustrator and designer based in Makaha, Oàhu. She was born in Lima, Peru and grew up in Miami, Florida. She is a retro freak and a bit of a romantic. The work she does is a mix of urban art and pop surrealism. She is inspired greatly by Art Nouveau and commercial art from the past. The imagery of her childhood days—cosmic visuals, Japanese animation, and Barbie dolls—still bring her a sense of glee. Her fascination with Victorian portraits and old commercial lithographs are often reflected in her work. Like a unique find in a vintage store, she likes to think the women in her pieces had a story long before her. She looks to textures and distressed materials to create images that transcend any particular era. Although she began as a painter, her technique has evolved to include digital painting as her primary tool of expression. Illustration to Kat is about expressing a mood through its essence. It provokes instinctual emotions that bond you instantly with the subject. A beautiful face can infect you with happiness, with lust, or even sadness. Exceptional beauty holds an undeniable power to persuade or to destroy. Perhaps the faces she creates are lovely Venus Flytraps, mesmerizing with their gaze, beckoning you to fall in love.

Sally’s Song

digital media8” x 10”

k a t r e e d e r .

13 Inaugural I ssue • November/December 2009

Of The Sun and of The Sea

digital media8.75” x 11.25”

Kat Reeder

As the sun found its way toward the horizon, the four of us sat huddled together on the 300-foot cliff overlooking the rookery. A relentless northwest wind blew in our faces and below we could see, hear, and smell thousands of seals and sea lions hauled out on the beach to breed, rest, play, give birth, and suckle their young. It was our ninth field season on the northern most island of the California Channel Islands. Without electricity, running water, or other people for the four month field season, Lana, my wife and Troy and Kyle, my sons, 8 and 6 years of age, and I cherished our home away from home. Simple pleasures like watching the sunset became an important ritual that gave us the opportunity to stop and appreciate the beauty that surrounded us. “Look, a whale!” Lana shouted as she pointed offshore. It was a humpback whale just beyond the kelp beds making its way north to the feeding grounds in Alaska. Breaching almost continually, it sent up a shroud of water and foam that when hit by the setting sun turned into an explosion of golden colors. As we counted the breaches, 21, 22, 23…, the sun continued

14

words and images provided by Bud Antonelis

Bud has worked in the field of marine biology for 35 years. He moved to Hawaiì in 1996 and has been involved in a variety of research projects concerning the conservation and recovery of Hawaiian monk seals, whales, dolphins, and sea turtles.

on its path and began to sink into the Pacific. Not a cloud in the sky to obstruct our view or to minimize the spectacular green flash easily seen by the naked eye. We continued counting the breaches, 34, 35, 36… as the sky did its nightly chameleon routine and slowly fused as one with the gray-black ocean, 57, 58, 59… until we could see no more. Green flashes occur at sunrise and sunset and typically last only one or two seconds as the sun first appears or disappears from view. Little folklore exists on this phenomenon, but like the ancient mariners I wonder if that flash was an omen of events to come. That night the wind increased to 45 mph and stronger gusts rolled over our 10x20-foot sheet metal house like a monster wave rattling each panel as it passed. At times we thought the roof would surely lift off and fly away with the next burst of wind… but it held… even under worsening conditions. It was such a harsh place for us to live and yet a haven for seals and sea lions because of their thick blubber and fur to maintain body heat, absence of land predators, and surrounding waters that were usually abundant with food.

Nor thern e lephant seal pups gather a t the shore l ine and play to a sunset serenade.

www.realwordmagazine.com

15 Bud Antonel i s


It was 1983 and unlike previous years on island, it was apparent dramatic changes were occurring in the ecosystem around us. The impact on the seal and sea lion populations was devastating. El Niño, now a common household phrase, was more of a novelty then and not taken too seriously until scientists were able to tie the event with many other natural disasters around the world. That season dramatic shifts in food availability were documented and the reduction of prey resulted in poor body condition and low productivity for fur seals and sea lions. The impact on the food chain along the entire coast of North America was unquestionable and many of our known seals and sea lions never returned. The only logical explanation was they had died of starvation. The 1983 El Niño made it poignantly clear to me that the Pacific is not a “horn of plenty,” and that I had greatly underestimated how fragile the ecosystem really is. Drawing on this renewed awareness, much of my research over the past 35 years has involved marine mammal foraging, and I have been blessed by a career full of opportunities that have taken me to the ice pack of both poles and many places in between. My family and I moved to Hawaiì in 1996, eagerly anticipating the opportunity to help make a difference in the conservation of protected and endangered species. My work here has focused on the oversight of research on marine mammals and turtles, but my primary emphasis has been on the critically endangered Hawaiian monk seal. Unlike the species found off the coast of North America, monk seals benefit from El Niños which result in the southern movement of cooler, more productive waters from the central Pacific into the Hawaiian marine environment. However, even oceanographically favorable events such as the El Niño have not outweighed all of the other factors having a negative impact on the population. The most notable include: insufficient food resources, marine debris, shark predation, loss of habitat associated with climate change, and an early history of killing that began when the first humans arrived years ago.

Young Troy and Kyle Antonel i s watch the spect ical of l i fe unfo ld

below them as seals and sea l ions move to and f rom the water.

Inaugural I ssue • November/December 2009

Monk seals are endemic to the Hawaiian Archipelago and have been here for over 10 million years. Most are found in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands with a small but slow growing group in the main Hawaiian Islands. The overall population is estimated at about 1,100, the lowest level in recorded history; but the plight of the monk seal would be much worse had nothing been done to enhance their survival. Over the last 36+ years, many dedicated people contributed countless hours to the recovery of the monk seal, and the struggle continues. Certainly more needs to be done to recover the monk seal, but more importantly, conserving and protecting the habitat in which it lives will benefit all of us. There are global and international implications that go beyond our shores and now scream for intervention; climate change, sea level rise, ocean acidification, and marine debris must be addressed on a global scale with each of us doing our part to improve the condition of the oceans. The plight of the monk seal is simply a reflection of much larger problems… problems that are now having huge impacts on all of us. The Hawaiian concept of ahupuaà1 is similar to that of many indigenous people around the world. It’s all about respect and stewardship

1ahupuaà: an ancient Hawaiian land division system which contained strips of land that extended from the mountain to the sea. The Ahupuaà supported a self-contained community working with a spirit of cooperation, of caring and revering the land to meet the needs of all.2 e ola pono: live righteously.3 keiki: children.

1�Bud Antonel i s

of our natural resources. From the mountains to the sea… the land, the plants, animals, people… everything requires a commitment to e ola pono2. Fortunately, an increasing number of dedicated people are calling for a greater global conservation ethic, and if the critically endangered monk seal can be used as a means to capture people’s attention, why not!? I frequently watch the sunrise from the east side of Oàhu to get my

“mind right.” Last year I witnessed a very different sunrise over Molokaì. As the sky brightened, I looked through my binoculars at the center of the glow over the island. Without anticipation, I was stunned by a flash of green in the instant the sun made its appearance. I suspect this is not a common event, and so, perhaps like a seafarer who’s spent many years surrounded by water, I look for signs or messages from the environment to help validate or correct my course. In this instance, I felt energized with hope for the future and was compelled by a sense of optimism about continuing to work towards making our oceans a better place for all living creatures. The timing was perfect and as I shift from marine research to marine awareness and education of our keiki3, I embrace the opportunity because they are the future stewards of the ocean and those who live in it.

Sea l ions make thei r way to the water for an evening foray in search of food.


Inaugural I ssue • November/December 20091�

“ . . . . . l ike a seafarer who’s spent many years surrounded by water, I look for s igns or messages f rom the environment to he lp va l idate or correc t my course .”


Kaylee Miriam Kamakanikaìlialoha Osbun

age 5Mililani Uka Elementary

I see a big tree.I was at the pretty-park.

Fun with family.

Its the loving nature in this picture I love nature so I picked

a nature theme to know how nature is the most nicest thing you

ever see.

Andrea Pauline Santos

age 9Kaneòhe Elementary School

young artists.



Alice is an astrologer, feng shui expert, inspirational speaker, ordained

minister, spiritual educator, and channel for Goddess Pele. She is the author of A

Loving Guide to These Shifting Times, Be Happy! It’s Your Choice, and has three

instructional DVDs that cover various popular topics on feng shui.

Her expertise in all she does enables her to share her wisdom regularly

through workshops and seminars. Her passion lies in helping others awaken to

their divine potential.

written by Alice Inoue

photography:Kris Labangwww.krislabang.com


I wear so many hats and have done so many different things that I confuse almost everyone I meet when they ask what I do for a living, especially if they have known me for a long time or haven’t seen me for a few years. If you knew me fifteen years ago, you would have known me as the operations manager for a racquet manufacturing company, and ten years ago I was a television show host, bilingual news anchor and spokesperson for various companies. Eight years ago I found astrology, awakened to a spiritual path and became an ordained minister. A year later, I studied to become a feng shui consultant, and five years ago I combined it all and called myself a “Life Guide.” As I gained knowledge and inspiration, I began teaching, speaking, presenting, channeling, and writing, because I wanted to share my passion with more people. I came out with three instructional DVDs and wrote two books. I now use the modalities I know to guide and empower people in their lives, and I love it. So who am I? How do I define myself? What guides me? Am I an astrologer? Am I a feng shui consultant? Am I a minister or am I a Life Guide? These are the things I do, but I do not identify myself by any of these titles, though other people do. To me, I am the CIO (Chief Inspirational Officer) of my own life. Seeing my “job” as the CIO allows me the freedom to be authentic and to follow the voice of my heart. I have come to realize that it doesn’t matter what I do, only that I am inspired by what I do. I believe that if I am not living an inspired life, I can’t inspire others to live their dreams. Growing up, I always heard the phrase, “Just be yourself!” I never knew what this meant, because I always did what my parents, teachers or society wanted me to do so I could fit in. I was afraid of not being accepted, so I acted in accordance with everyone else’s rules. It was impossible to “be myself” because I lacked the courage to find out who I was. One day, however, the Universe decided it was time for me to find out. I was at the height of my television career, with three ongoing TV shows, a team of sponsors, and seven sources of income. I had stumbled into the world of media when I was thirty. One appearance led to another and I just followed the path because it was there. I was flattered and appreciative and so I worked hard to be the best I could be, although I knew I wasn’t fully inspired by what I was doing. Right around this time a friend told me about an astrologer, who she thought could help me find my true path. I went to see him “for fun.” What he said is etched in my mind: “Pluto will be contacting your career point in April of 2001 and you will likely move on to a new life path. What’s old will die and something new will be reborn.” At the time, I thought it unlikely and disregarded it. Interestingly, as April 2001 drew near, I began losing shows, sponsors, and other work, until I was down to one “secure” job as a bilingual news anchor. This job provided me with financial stability and health benefits so I thought I was safe.


However, the Universe had other plans. In April of 2001, my boss said to me, “I have good news and bad news. The good news is that we have successfully sold the station. The bad news is that they did not want your newscast. However, you are eligible to collect unemployment starting tomorrow.” (I guess this was the

“good news” for me.) The next day, as I stood in line at the unemployment office, I thought about everything that happened. I suddenly remembered what the astrologer said and I was intrigued by how he could “forecast” my path change so far in advance by tracking planetary movement. I immediately purchased some books on Astrology, and within a day, I was hooked. I found divine inspiration in the cycles of the planets and my passion was awakened for the first time in my life. I knew I wanted to be a professional astrologer. Inspiration is authentic. It comes from the heart and nothing can stop it, not even logical thought and fears that say: “After creating such a good reputation on television, you will lose all respect, as people will laugh at you if you make astrology your career.” Once I learned how to delineate a chart and apply the language of the planets to a person’s life, inspiration moved me through my fears. Right around this same time, I had visions of myself conducting wedding

ceremonies. It prompted me to look into the process of getting ordained. If I had followed my limiting thoughts, and those of others who said to me, “You don’t look like a minister; you’re too young and the wrong gender. No one will hire you,” I would have given up. However, I was inspired by the possibility that I could be part of a sacred celebration of love, so I pursued it further. I am on a mission to awaken everyone who crosses my path to the knowing that we each hold the key to our own freedom, and we can have it in any way that we desire it. We have all the answers inside of us, yet we spend our lives looking outside of ourselves for love, security, abundance, praise, acceptance and guidance. In the process, we lose our authenticity by ignoring our inner voice and living a life that is not truly our own. Life has shown me that we are here to find our “Self,” and that the Universe will bring us exactly what we need in the form of people, situations, and circumstances to nudge us in that direction. If you are not feeling “good” about your life, commit to finding your spirit by listening to your inner voice, where the key to your inspiration lies. Remember, you are the only one who will be with you for the rest of your life. Hire yourself as your CIO. If you are not happy and inspired in your life, what is the purpose of having a life?

Al ice Inoue

“Inspirationisauthentic.Itcomesfromtheheartandnothingcanstopit,notevenlogicalthoughtandfears...”

Eric Leterc is the Executive Chef of The Pacific Club. He was born and raised in France and has been in the islands for the past twenty years. An accomplished chef, he has cooked for the president of France, diginitaries and celebrities during the Cannes Film Festival and for Bill Gates’ wedding at Manele Bay on Lanaì. He has a passion for Hawaiian culture, arts and enjoys painting in his free time.

Bouquet, acrylic on canvas, 36” x 24”

Undersea World, acrylic on canvas, 24” x 36”


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Debbie realized her love of photography at a very early age and blossomed into a self taught photographic artist. She has been photographing weddings, events and families for over 10 years. Her artistic vision expanded into commercial and recently nature photography. She currently resides in San Diego with her husband, two daughters and their Mr. Toby, but a part of her heart will always be on the Island of Oàhu.

23promise

Inaugural I ssue • November/December 2009

I didn’t know a person could fall in love with an island. That’s what happened when my family moved to Oàhu in 2001: my heart and my soul completely resonated with the land and the people. I met a beautiful woman who would become my mentor and one of my very dearest friends, Arna Johnson. She took me under her wing, guided my photography career, taught me about the land and life and then let me soar. When I photograph, my camera is an extension of my heart—I shoot from my heart. I see the tenderness of the father of the bride holding on to his daughter one last time as he’s walking her to her new life ahead. I see the tears that fill the corners of the bride’s eyes as her husband gazes at her while speaking his vows. I see the groom’s elation as they take their first walk as husband and wife. Looking out amongst the guests, I see an “auntie” smiling so huge that her light shines from within. When I give the couple their images, I’m holding my breath, hoping they love them as much as I do. When I know that they are happy and are reliving their day through the images, then I breathe—I am happy too. I had been photographing weddings and families before I moved to Oàhu, but I never imagined how busy I would be photographing in the islands. I was honored to be photographing so many beautiful couples and families, both locally and from all over the world. During the reception of a beautiful wedding at Paliku Gardens in Kualoa Ranch, I stopped and looked over to my left up the majestic peaks of the Koòlau and then to my right, gazing at Mokoliì Island

I Left a Piece of my heart on the Island of Oàhu

words and images provided by Debbie Friedrich

sunkiss

“ F r o m t h e s w i r l s o f a f a l l e n p l u m e r i a , t o t h e v i b r a n t s u n s o a k e d g o l d e n

www.realwordmagazine.com 24

and the turquoise waters that surround it. I thought, “I can’t believe I’m here, doing what I absolutely love to do. I am so blessed. Life is good.” Life was moving right along, the family was thriving and we were happy. Then one day my husband calls. He asked if I was sitting down. “I was offered a promotion back in our hometown of San Diego,” he said. My heart broke. No, this can’t be happening. I’m so happy here. I love it here. I love life here, I’m happy. Totally and completely happy. The first words out of my mouth were: “I can’t go yet.” It was right in the middle of the school year for our daughters, and I was booked out for the next six months! My husband Brian and I are high school sweethearts. When I was 17, my family and I moved to northern San Diego in the middle of my senior year of high school. Shortly after that, I met Brian. We’ve been together ever since. He always said it was destiny for us because a few years later, my parents divorced and moved away. During our entire relationship, we have always supported each other and let each other grow to be the people we were meant to become, despite hardships along the way. Was this our destiny now? For us to move back? For us to move our family? For me to leave this beloved land that has nurtured me so much? Who’s in charge of this destiny anyway? Brian’s new position needed him right away. He left in January of 2006 and moved back to San Diego. I had six months to pack, prepare and say good bye. During that time I started photographing Mother

Nature. I really started to notice all the juicy bursts of color she had to offer. From the swirls of a fallen plumeria, to the vibrant sun soaked golden colors of a ti leaf

—the beauty that surrounded me nurtured my soul. Of course the move was difficult. Very difficult. Settling back into our home and life in San Diego took time. With the love and support of our family and friends and within each other, we began our new journey. My dear friend Geralyn reminded me that the islands will always be there. My extended ohana will always be there. I took all the love and knowledge I gained during my time on Oàhu and started over in San Diego. The images of Mother Nature that I brought back with me helped heal my heart and nurture my soul. A flower takes its own time to bloom, displays its beauty, dies off and another blooms. Life goes on. With much support, and the entrepreneurial spirit of my dear friend Cheryl, I started to share the images that I took of Mother Nature and soon discovered that it nurtured other people’s souls too. While I continue to photograph people professionally, I created a fine art business and an online art store through Etsy.com. I named my store and art business zenatona. The name zenatona is one that I created and is a blend of a state of being and a goddess. Zenatona is art from Mother Nature to nurture your soul. Juicy bursts of color and reminders to take a moment, pause and notice the extraordinary in everyday. A reminder, life is ever evolving, life is good. You can bloom wherever you are. Plus, the islands are only 5 hours away . . . .

f loat

c o l o r s o f a t i l e a f — t h e b e a u t y t h a t s u r r o u n d e d m e n u r t u r e d m y s o u l . “



And r e Dav i s ha s been i n t h e t a t t oo i ndu s t r y f o r o ve r twen t y y ea r s . He own s Roc k So l i d Ta t t oo i n Hono l u l u w i t h h i s w i f e , Rob i n .


Art is in everything around us. If we could only take a moment to stop, look, listen and open our minds to this thought, we would notice that art is everywhere, continuously flowing in some way, shape or form. I truly love art and in doing so I choose to see it in everything. I find myself always learning a new art form as a way of expressing myself and releasing any thought or feeling that I am experiencing at that moment. Foremost I am a tattoo artist by trade. Tattooing is special to me, and I am grateful and privileged to have people trust in me to create something that will permanently change and enhance their appearance forever. That at times can be a big responsibility to live up to. Believe me, I love every day that I get a chance to challenge myself. As a husband and a father of four children, I also find that raising a family is art. This is an art form where we are continuously growing, learning, and teaching each other. Again, art is in everything around us: It is in how we speak to each other, how we listen and understand, and how we express ourselves to our children. I believe that as our children grow, they will, in time, understand this to be true because they will remember what they observed and how they lived when they were young. Many times, I sit and reflect on the art that my family and I have created, and when I do, I smile. When my wife sees me do this she asks me, “Babe, what are you doing?” I look at her and say, “Just thinking,” and I smile. I see my wife as art, her inner beauty and the way she makes me feel is something that words cannot express. She is a never ending art form that is continuously connected to my spiritual vibration and teaches me many things about myself and the many things around me. Together, we are always growing and this to me is a rewarding art form. My wife is always strong by my side, always loving and patient, considering the many different time-consuming things I do. Her support and acceptance of how I choose to express my inner self as art is a blessing.

written by Andre Davis

photography: Doris BitonioAndre Davis

Andre Davis


Besides tattooing, I like to evolve myself with other things: music is one of them. I play the guitar, ukulele, shakuhachi (Japanese flute), some harmonica, and I love to sing. I also hand make custom tattoo machines—every tattoo that I do is with a machine that I have made. Knowing how to make a great tattoo machine can also help the artist apply a tattoo—if a tattoo machine is not running properly, it can result in many different problems with how the tattoo turns out. I love making tattoo machines and seeing how well they work. When I look at the tattoo I say in my head, “Wow! That tattoo looks really nice—and I did that with my machine!” I’m making a machine for my friend who does lots of Polynesian tattooing, and I can’t wait for him to use it. I have always also been intrigued with photography and it is a hobby of mine. I remember late one night, thinking that I wanted to take a photo of something that represented beauty. So I woke up my wife at around 1:00 a.m. and asked her to do her hair and makeup, so I could take a picture of her with some flowers in her hair. Being the loving supportive wife that she is, she woke up to help me create something that resulted in one of the best photos I have ever taken. The photo speaks for itself: it is a representation of pure beauty. And during that time, my wife had a make-up business which allowed me to experiment with my photography by being her photographer also, which was very fun. I also hand carve bone into Hawaiian Makau (hooks) and Maori jewelry (Hei Toki). All my jewelry creations are one of a kind. I use a traditional Hawaiian lashing method to hold each pendent. The rope and lashing is done all by hand, and is the method the Polynesians used a long time ago.

I also love wood carving many different styles of tiki, décor and furniture using monkey pod, mango tree and koa. Another relaxing art form for me is watercolor painting. Moving the paint through water allows my mind to relax, and at the same time it also helps with my creative side of tattooing. I guess in some way, all of these different art forms somehow link together, and in doing so they help show me that art is in everything. I own a custom tattoo shop called Rock Solid Tattoo. Rock Solid Tattoo is different than other tattoo shops—it is very calming and creative inside. I am the only tattoo artists there and I have been tattooing for over twenty years. Every tattoo is custom and all free-hand. Nothing is from a book or off the wall- everything is one-of-a-kind created. I keep it a very relaxed environment without any distractions. When someone gets tattooed at Rock Solid Tattoo, they get great quality time without interruptions. Rock Solid Tattoo is not your average walk-in tattoo shop. It is by appointment only, so calling and leaving a message is very necessary. People say that they love that it is a very relaxed environment and that everything is custom. Tattooing is a big part of my life and I always challenge myself by trying to outdo what I have tattooed before. I love to do what I do. I love to live as art. If we use our minds, and our hearts we can stop, look, listen and find art within ourselves and in everything. From a word to a touch, through understanding and compassion; even through understanding our mistakes and acknowledging what there are is an art form. Everyone has creativity within themselves and when they choose to see it, they can create a beautiful picture out of anything.

Art is my passion, it is my life; it is a part of what makes me who I am.

Andre Davis


Lana devoted her professional career to the education of children. She had a special way with them- wise, magical, creative, generous, and compassionate. With a radiant smile reflecting her inner beauty and strength, she taught and lived her life based on the principles of unconditional love and respect for others.

Editor’s NoteI recall many conversations with Lana about the joy of writing and dreams of someday authoring a book. She reminded me to keep my pen close and my heart open, for inspiration could be found everywhere. I know she is smiling down at me, so excited and proud that I am a part of this project. I am honored to include a piece from her journal in our inaugural issue. -Cheryl DeAngelo

In Loving Memory of Lana Jo Leslie Antonelis (1949-2007)



Shawn Ching was born and raised on the island of Oàhu. A graduate of Roosevelt High

School and formerly with KITV 4 Island Television News, Shawn is a practicing attorney

with the law firm of King, Nakamura & Chun-Hoon. He specializes in personal injury,

general litigation, labor, and employment law.


“Oh, wait, wait,” Mom would exclaim. “Let me get my camera!” I crack up and smile to myself when I think back to my Mom, her camera, and how she loved to take pictures. She wasn’t obsessed, but just really into getting that special moment. “One day, when I’m gone, you all will be glad I did,” Mom often said to me and my four brothers. Boy, was she ever right. Pictures are so wonderful. They remind us of where we’ve been, places we’ve seen—but most importantly to me—they remind us of the people we love. Missing a loved one? Just whip out a picture or pull up a jpeg. And there they are, smiling, laughing. You feel close to them again. I was never a big fan of taking pictures or being in them. But, those pictures Mom insisted on taking way back then now mean the world to me. It’s even spurred my own budding interest in taking my own snap shots. No one outside of my family and very close friends has seen any of my photos. I don’t touch up photos and, quite honestly, I don’t know how. And if you asked me about photography— like, what “aperture” means, I’d have to Google it. A professional, I certainly am not. I use a scratched and dented, 7.2 megapixel, Sony Cyber-Shot, which I got as a gift from my girlfriend when I most needed it. It remains, perhaps, the best gift I have ever received. Sadly, the title of “family photographer”—and my interest in photography—was borne out of heartache. In late 2006, my Mother was diagnosed with

cancer. And that’s when my girlfriend, Stephanie, presented me with a gift: my first digital camera. I started to snap away—taking all sorts of pictures. Thousands of them. Capturing the places Mom went, the nice people we met; keepsakes, perhaps, that my brothers and I would always cherish. I’d make slideshows set to music and with loved ones huddled around my computer—we’d watch the images unfold one by one. Like the time we took a family trip to California. “Shawn, oh, I like this one,” Mom said smiling, pointing to us perched high atop the Ferris wheel on Santa Monica Pier (and taken with my outstretched arm, no less). What a grand time we had. She really loved to look at my pictures. Maybe it was my years editing my own stories in television, I’m not really sure, but I find myself attracted to lines, composition, and balance. The glint of sunshine on dark sand in Waimea, Kauaì or the majestic Na Pali coast—a lone swimmer standing far off in the distance—or the splendid, verdant colors of the mountains of the other Waimea, on the Island of Hawaiì are just some of the thousands of captured moments since 2006. It’s been nearly three years since I said goodbye to Mom. A vibrant and lovely 59 years old when she passed, our bond remains unbroken. In fact, she lives on in so many ways in my life. One way is through all of those pictures. I can’t help but smile deep inside when I look at them. The memories are all there and, boy, how she loved to take pictures. And now, so do I. Thanks, Mom.

written by: Shawn Ching

Shawn Ching


Puako, Hawaiì

Neiman MarcusMaunawili, Oàhu


Shawn Ching

“Maybeitwasmyyearseditingmyownstoriesintelevision...butIfindmyselfattractedtolines,composition,andbalance.”



Waimea, Kauaì

Shawn Ching


Imagine being a child living in a tent on the beach, or living with grandma because mom is in prison. Imagine losing a parent to cancer or being moved around constantly because you have no one to care for you. Most of us cannot imagine any child in these situations yet this is the reality for many of our keiki in Hawaiì. ProjectFocus Hawaiì (PFH) is a non-profit organization committed to helping at-risk children through the art of black-and-white photography. The brainchild of professional photographers and former teachers Laurie Callies and Lisa Uesugi, ProjectFocus Hawaiì has been working with at-risk children for the past five years. What started out as a labor of love has become a full-time passion for these talented artists who specialize in children’s photography. Every year, ProjectFocus Hawaiì selects a non-profit organization that works with at-risk children. Twelve to 15 children are selected to participate in a 12-week summer internship which teaches them not only photography skills, but life skills such as goal setting and building self-esteem. In the past, PFH has worked with children from Kuhio Park Terrace, Women In Need, Kids Hurt Too, Ka Hale Hoàla Hou No Na Wahine and the Women’s Community Correctional Facility. Of the 50 children served since 2005, over 95% are of Hawaiian ancestry and reside predominately in West Oàhu. Collectively they have suffered poverty, homelessness, drug addiction, prostitution, substance abuse, physical abuse, mental abuse, life-threatening illnesses, incarceration, domestic violence, the death of one or both parents, neglect and more. This year, PFH worked with 13 foster children receiving services and support from Hale Kipa, a multi-service, non-profit agency that specializes in working with at-risk children, adolescents and their families. Earlier this summer, PFH founders Laurie Callies and Lisa Uesugi photographed each of the children on the grounds of Secret Island at Kualoa Ranch. After mastering basic photography skills using a Holga medium format camera, the children were sent on “assignment” to photograph a special person in their life. In addition to the photography assignment, the children were asked to write an essay about their subject that will accompany their photograph. They also reflect on their lives and come up with some affirmation statements which are printed in a book. “We chose this age group because it is a critical time in their lives when some doors will open and some will close,” said Uesugi. “The teens have been both positive and enthusiastic and we hope they will look back on this experience and keep a positive attitude—not only about art, but also about their lives and what they can accomplish. We have also been inspired by the people and organizations that consistently rally around our project. The outpouring of generosity from so many people has really made ProjectFocus Hawaiì what it is today.” The culmination of the internship is the VIP reception where the photography exhibit is unveiled. Each child’s photograph and essay is paired with their own photograph taken by Callies or Uesugi. “Since starting ProjectFocus Hawaiì, we have been privileged to work with many children from diverse backgrounds and situations,” said Callies. “All of these children are truly amazing. While their stories may be heart wrenching, their resilient spirits and their undeniable desire to survive truly inspires us to continue our efforts.”

www.projectfocushawaii.com

written by Shawn Nakamoto


Throughout my time spent here in Hawaiì, I have trusted few individuals. Though I have only known her for only so long, Gemma has given me the stability my life needed and has become my grounded foundation. Around her, I feel both motivated and strong. She was primarily the one who continually worked to make the most overwhelming of tasks seem like obstacles well within my ability to overcome. Both very philanthropic and a huge advocate for Hawaiì’s foster youth, I am proud of her for her tireless efforts. As a case worker for Hale Kipa, she has committed so much time towards improving the lives of numerous persons, and I believe that her dedication truly shines. My hope for Gemma is for her to continue on the path she is currently on. I know other youth will be touched by her compassion and will share my sentiments of her achieving many great successes in life. Even though she has recently moved from the isles, I want her to know that because of the courage and direction she has instilled in me, I am working harder than ever before to fulfill my dreams of one day

becoming a successful psychotherapist in the military.

I am a strong individual, resilient and courageousI can become the person I have always strived to be

I will move forward, accomplishing the many dreams and aspirations I hold dearest to my heart

I have known Jane for almost a year and am amazed by the changes that I have seen in her. When I first met her, she was a teenage girl with little self-esteem and high hopes. She has put forth so much effort and has achieved her goals. I watched her become grounded and stable, graduate from high school, become accepted into college, and make a brave decision to move to the mainland to start a new life for herself. Jane is an absolute joy to be around. She has the ability to make light of any situation and heightens the moods of everyone. She is dedicated to accomplishing new goals and inspires others to do the same. ”Jane, you are a brave woman with a warm heart. You are a natural leader and teacher with a promising future ahead of you! I wish you nothing but the best and am confident that you will achieve

anything you put your energy into!”

Janeage 18

GemmaJane’s Counselor

Projec t Focus

Here are some of the photographs and essays from The Resilient Spirit.


My grandma Diane is the person I chose. She tries her hardest to give me a good life. She makes me feel like someone is there for me. My grandma helps me when I’m sick and cares for me. I am proud of her because we have so little but she gives me so much. She inspires me to be happy and live a good life. She raised good family in her life. If I could tell her one thing I would say, “Thank you for all you did for me and I love you.”

I am a kind person I can learn to help othersI will become a professional body boarder

Brendan took my picture and he is my grandson. He loves to surf and work on the computer. He likes to play with his nephews and go to the beach with his uncle. He is smart and helps around the house. I want him to go to college and complete it so he can be smart like his mother.

Brendanage 13

Diane Brendan’s Grandmother

Projec t Focus


This is Lyla Tatafu. She is my teacher. She takes me to school activities and stays after school with me. She helps me to be a better person by helping me on my school curriculum. She also helps me to be more honest with myself and others. She is there when I am feeling bad, like when I was fighting with my brother. She said everybody fights. This person makes me feel spoiled; she gives me good vibes even when I get in trouble. No matter what, she never gives up on me..

“Mrs. Tatafu, you are like a mom to me.“

I am a creative inventorI can live life fearlessly

I will fly back to the state where I was born

Jeff first came to my class during his 8th grade summer for summer school. He is a very inquisitive student and I could always count on him to raise his hand, answer or ask questions and add comments to my lessons. Jeff comes from a nice supportive home. He was always eager to help me with the other students. For example, he would initiate activities with them such as playing catch, blowing bubbles, or helping them with art activities. Jeffrey has a strong will to survive. He can pick himself up and move on, amidst failures. My dream for Jeff is to become self-sufficient, gainfully employed and an upstanding citizen to make good contributions to society. “Jeffrey, remember that night when you came to me, full of excitement, wanting to show me how handsome you looked dressed in your JROTC uniform? I felt very honored that you

wanted to share your moment with me. I was so proud of you.”

Jeffage 17

LylaJeffrey’s Teacher

Projec t Focus


This is my mom Zan. She is a single mother of six and a very strong lady. I am proud of her because even though she made some wrong choices in her life, she is trying to make up for all the lost years with her children. I am proud to have the mother back that I have been missing in my life. I chose to photograph her because at this point in my life I feel like we are closer to each other than ever. When I am with her a lot of feelings run through me. Sometimes I feel like I am a little kid again because half of my childhood days were spent not living with her. I just feel like starting where we ended. My mother is sometimes like my sister, a sister that I can express my feelings and problems to, a sister that can provide a helping hand, a sister to give me the support I need to keep strong. I always wanted to tell my mother this but could never find the right words to express my feelings. “Mom, I am more than glad to have you back in my life trying your best to make things work. I love you!”

I am optimistic and uniqueI can be tough on the outside but soft on the insideI will be a psychologist for foster children and make a difference

My photographer is my daughter who I call Darla. When she was a teenager, I can remember her being very responsible with her schoolwork and always helping with her siblings. She would always look out for her loved ones, including me. I like spending quality time with Darla; just hanging out, getting to know her and making up for lost time. I am so very proud of my daughter because she has become such a wonderful young lady. For all that I’ve put her through she has overcome many crises to get to where she is today. My dream for Darla is to be the person I always wanted to be, which is the path that she’s on. “I am very proud of you. Keep up the good work and remember that I will always be there for you. I love you very much.”

Dezandriaage 18

ZanDezandria’s Mother

Projec t Focus


Hoòkupu was taken the day after the Merrie Monarch hula competition on the island of Hawaiì at the Halemaùmaù Crater in the Volcanoes National Park. Upon paying a visit to the fire goddess, Tutu Pele, members of Ka Leo O Laka I Ka Hikina O Ka La, led by Kumu Hula Kaleo Trinidad, tied their lei together and tossed it into the crater as a gesture of gratitude, honor, and respect.

41 Inaugural I ssue • November/December 2009© w w w. u l u a r t . c o m

These are the people of Hawaiì. What story are they telling you?

pu

rity

.

ben

ev

ole

nce.

ca

utio

n.

won

der.

ex

perie

nce.

faces.

a. Cole Antonelis b. Ah Lan Leong c. Rene Bitonio d. Desiree Loperfido e. Rose Meisenzahl f. Judah Ota-Stevens g. Vincent Bongiorno h. Maya Rose DeAngelo

a b c

d e f

g h


Send an image to be featured in FACES: [email protected]


submissions.Real Word Magazine features original work that give our readers a view of life in Hawaiì. We welcome you to submit inspiring pieces that embrace respect, honor, pride, philanthropy, and gratitude.

Originally from the mountains of Colorado, James C. Lloyd moved with his family to Hawaiì in 2006. Having earned his high school diploma this year, James is considering going to college and further pursuing his photography. He currently resides on the island of Kauaì, where he enjoys the beautiful flora and fauna of the Garden Island. This photograph was taken from Hanalei Pier on Hanalei Bay at sunset.


[email protected]

james lloyd.


s u b m i s s i o n

I am surrounded by a variety of breathtaking flowers that bring sunshine to my day during my chemotherapy treatment days. One of my favorite flowers, beautifully arranged in a woven basket, is the Anthurium. Anthuriums are precious tropical flowers which are open and heart-shaped. They are also known as “The Heart of Hawaiì.” Anthuriums symbolize hospitality. They are used to indicate happiness and abundance. Although an irresistibly beautiful, exotic, long-lasting flower, there lies a side of Anthuriums that is unattractive. Did you know that all parts of the Anthurium plant are poisonous? The sap can cause skin irritation, and if ingested may cause mild stomach disorders. I relate this with my journey through cancer, as I was diagnosed with Leiomyosarcoma (LMS) here in beautiful Hawaiì (May 2009)—a land of paradise, hospitable people, and overflowing with aloha and ohana. LMS is rare, incurable and hides behind a benign tumor. Behind the beauty of living in Hawaiì, I need to go deeper and find a way to counter all medical definitions of LMS, and go through my own spiritual journey and breakthrough; I have Faith, Hope and Love that through God’s Healing Touch, His Grace, His Mercy, His Strength, and His Plan for my life, I will not only survive but thrive to live to the fullest and lead an amazing life full of happiness, peace, prosperity and abundance, and be surrounded by those who are near and dear to my heart, those whom I love and are precious to me… my family and friends.

Anthurium, excerpt from Reality Strikes in Honolulu City, a journal by Cris Bay.

September 14, 2009

A Letter To The Publication:

I would like to congratulate you for this timely publication as it represents a breath of fresh air, a feeling of rebirth and new beginnings. I foresee this new magazine will empathize and sympathize with the real issues and experiences that affect the individual lives of the people of Hawaiì, and show us that although we come from varied and mixed backgrounds, we somehow live parallel lives. And, in spite of the unexpected trials and tribulations that come along the way, we simply need to have a better appreciation of life, of oneself and our community. In the meantime, we can expect the sun to shine and aloha to come from our ohana (family), friends and even the unlikeliest strangers to spread that feel-good, infections, positive energy. I would like to contribute my first article Anthurium from my journal entitled Reality Strikes In Honolulu City. This burst of inspiration gave birth in Hawaiì as I came face to face with myself, my health, my hopes, my dreams and aspirations. I have come to the conclusion that what I truly desire to be is a writer. I’ve hidden, tucked away and buried my writing

ability and now I feel inspired, compelled to receive and re-awaken this talent. I apologize for the untimely submission of my article, as I have missed out on the submission deadline of September 18th. Reality has unfortunately stricken me as I have been out of commission for almost a week. It started off with my rush to urgent care, and then getting transported via ambulance to the hospital ER and finally admitted into the hospital. Today, I’m back and one of the first things on my mind is to submit my article (see attached). I look forward to the inaugural issue of Real Word Magazine and mahalo to all the talent out there for collaborating, sharing, and contributing every sort of creative media—from poetry, photography, personal anecdote, drawings, paintings, etc. Real Word Magazine will truly serve to provide a venue for the flowing of creative juices and diverse talent and the sharing of captivating energy and all that is real, inspiring and positive.

Much Aloha & Mahalo

Cris Bay

cris bay.


s u b m i s s i o n

Calisto

oil enamel, gold leaf on canvas48” x 48”

derek glaskin.

“In my painting Calisto you see my muse as she rises from and above the àina, for it is I who see her beauty. On hearing her soft, sweet voice I am enchanted, inspired, dedicated to follow the breath of her singing soul. A long time voice, lost in the wilderness, the comfort of finding my love, my muse, my wife, my country, eases. Her ‘aumakua swim next to me, her love of expression, that which I lack as a man, this shark goddess enlightens. In clouds of ancestry, our ancestors peering, deep in the ocean her image reflecting. I am in love with my muse.” - Derek Glaskin

www.glaskinsgallery.com.au


s u b m i s s i o n

www.tabiolo.com

Brandon Tabiolo is a self-taught, on-location photographer in Honolulu specializing in men and women, natural island beauty, lifestyle, and commercial and advertising work. He began photography in July 2007 and admires “natural light” photography the most. He loves to shoot an array of subjects including landscape and still-life, but has higher interests that are most noticeable when photographing people. He strongly believes in quality over quantity and in attention to detail. In two years, Brandon has transitioned to shooting full-time and absolutely loves what he does.

“I always look forward to my photo shoots, because for me it’s always free expression: every photo shoot is different. Sometimes you just never know the final product until you actually start shooting and I believe that is what inspires me a lot—creating an image on the spot, painting with instant colors, light and subjects, creating art.”

brandon tabiolo.


Plenty enough for none

acrylic painting on wood panel20” x 10”

2009

Born and raised on Oàhu, Ryan Higa’s work can be found in The Contemporary Museum and in private collections in the U.S., Japan and Europe. His art has been featured in exhibitions in Hawaiì, as well as Seattle, Ann Arbor, Philadelphia and Memphis. In 2001, Ryan created the alter-world of Gruntled Funk. Gruntled Funk represents a series of works depicting the strange, humorous world hovering between cute and the sinister. Many of the characters and landscapes represent encounters in his artistic, academic and cultural life experiences. Gruntled Funk seeks to stir the artist that lives inside its audience. Higa’s art practice is focused on whimsical paintings and sculptures that keep people smiling, curious and open.

s u b m i s s i o n

www.grunt ledfunk.com

Super3 Postcard

6” x 4”2009

ryan higa.


s u b m i s s i o n

Hawaiì Superman*

acrylic on canvas4’ x 8’

*This painting was donated to the Ke Kukui Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded to promote and perpetuate the Hawaiian/Polynesian cultural arts and heritage within the Pacific Northwest community.

justin white.


Justin graduated from Kalani High School in 2003 and acquired his B.A. in Graphic Design at Portland State University. There, he worked for a year as a freelance artist doing murals, logos and various other projects.

www.jtwhitespace.com

s u b m i s s i o n

Jus t in Whi te

Waikiki, Oàhu


s u b m i s s i o n

The joy of life is evident in all of Rita Coury’s photography. An artist from the tender age of five, photography was a natural extension. Rita honed her self-taught skills at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco where she learned studio management on the job as a studio manager from the time she was 16 until she graduated with a BFA in Photography (Portraiture). Her choice of specialty: fine-art portrait photography permits Rita Coury to emphasize the unique and emotional/personal side of her subjects. Her objective with all of her photo art, no matter who or what the subject, is to capture the truth with minimal posing or manipulation. Now a resident of Honolulu, when Rita isn’t in the studio or on location, or teaching art expression to children, she will most likely be in the ocean, swimming and studying the marine life.

www.ri tacoury.com

rita coury.


s u b m i s s i o n

www.ri tacouryphotography.com

Ri ta Cour y

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